Obama opens two-front war on taxes

Again asks Congress to have rich pay more

WASHINGTON — President Obama called on Congress Monday to extend Bush-era tax cuts for middle-class families but not for wealthy Americans, using the bully pulpit of the White House to bring the tax issue back to the forefront four months before what is predicted to be a tight election.

Only families making less than $250,000 should get a one-year tax reprieve, Obama said, pitting himself against presumptive Republican rival Mitt Romney, who would like the extension to apply to everyone. In a two-front war against Romney over taxes, the president also challenged Romney Monday to release more of his tax returns.